Butch Has Priorities Straight

Brian Butch, the outstanding 7-0 and 217-pound center from Appleton West H.S. in Appleton, WI, has his priorities straight. Butch, who was supposed to announce his decision on October 23rd, delayed his announcement due to an illness in his family.

RivalsHoops.com wishes Brian and his family the best during this tough time. A source close to Butch told us that Brian now hopes to have a decision either late next week for the week of November 4th. But our source cautioned that Brian's first priority is with his family and his thoughts are only with his grandmother right now. Our source told us recruiting is the last thing Brian is thinking about right now.

When Butch is ready to make a decision, he will choose between Kansas, North Carolina, Marquette, and Wisconsin. Each of these schools still has a legitimate shot at landing Butch, according to our source close to Brian.

Arizona dropped out after they landed big man Kirk Walters. The Wildcats are finished recruiting in the 2003 campaign.

Butch, who took his last official visit to Wisconsin, has now completed all of his trips. He previously visited Kansas, North Carolina, Arizona, and Marquette.

Butch is one of the best players in the 2003 class and a top notch big man who is agile and quick enough to make a living along the baseline. Butch can spot up from just about anywhere on the perimeter. Making Butch even more effective is his willingness to battle for every loose ball.

Last season as a junior, Butch averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks per contest. Butch was the player of the year in the state of Wisconsin in 2001-2002. He also had a solid summer, which included competition with Ritchie Davis' Fox Valley Skillz Black at the Big Time Tournament in Las Vegas. Butch also competed at the USA Basketball's Fifth Annual Men's Youth Development Festival in Colorado Springs, CO.